Vitamin C was first discovered by the surgeon James Lind, when he determined that lemons prevented scurvy in ship-bound sailors. By the 1940s vitamin C was being used to treat various viral infections, including polio.
At present it is one of the many CAMs used in prevention of the common cold; Vitamin C is one of the many vitamins essential for the human health. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which neutralizes free radicals, destructive natural substances. Vitamin C helps maintain muscle, bone and blood vessels. It helps to form collagen as well as absorb iron. All of these are vital in maintaining a healthy body. While unlike most animals, the human body cannot produce its own supply of vitamin C, people can fulfill their required quota of vitamin C by consuming Vitamin C containing fruits and even by taking supplements.
An analysis carried out in 2007, on 11,350 participants in over 30 clinical exams, proved that regular intake of vitamin C did not reduce the likelihood of participants in catching a cold. Another survey in 2009 showed that vitamin C supplements have great potential for treating colds.
Vitamin C strengthens the immune system in a body. In turn this helps the body to fight off cold causing germs and viruses. In effect is can increase resistance, though vitamin C cannot totally prevent the common cold.
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